Austin’s New Power Player: Base Power Aims to Enhance Grid Reliability
AUSTIN — A new startup is stepping into the electricity market in Austin, hoping to improve grid reliability for Texans by providing on-site battery storage solutions. The company, named Base Power, was founded by Zach Dell, who took the role of co-founder and CEO. Launched in May, Base Power focuses on installing batteries that store energy for homes, especially during periods of high demand.
Innovative Solutions for Texas’ Grid
After years spent as an investor in technology companies, Dell wanted to explore new ways to tackle Texas’ energy issues. He believes Austin is at the forefront of innovation. “This city is bustling with technology, especially hardware companies. As someone who grew up here, witnessing this growth is exciting,” he said.
Co-founder and COO Justin Lopas explained how the electricity grid operates. He described it simply: imagine a direct line from energy producers to homes. When a homeowner flips a switch, power flows through transmission lines into their house. However, the grid is often strained during peak times, particularly during hot Texas summers when demand skyrockets as people rush to cool down.
Advantages of Battery Storage
“Having batteries means you can store energy during low-demand times, increase supply when needed, and lower the overall demand on the grid,” Lopas explained. He believes this battery technology can help make the grid more efficient. Each Base Power battery can store up to 20 kilowatt-hours of energy and is made of lithium iron phosphate, a type designed to endure localized outages that can occur from storms or other disturbances.
If the grid goes down, the batteries can kick in to provide power to homes, ensuring that residents are not left in the dark. “Putting batteries on homes is the most reliable form of power you can have,” Dell noted.
Growing Customer Base
Base Power has already attracted hundreds of customers in the greater Austin area. The installation fee for a battery is approximately $3,000, which is more affordable compared to smaller generators and other battery systems that can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars.
One satisfied customer, Pflugerville City Council Member Rudy Metayer, leased his battery back in June. He was drawn to Base Power partly due to Dell’s reputation but also because of the increasing power outage issues in cities like Pflugerville. “Texans want reliable energy,” Metayer remarked. “We need to ensure access to power for everything from heating to air conditioning.”
Addressing Reliability Needs
According to Dell, the idea of reliability can differ from person to person. Some people may want to work from home without worrying about outages, while others rely on electricity for medical devices. Most outages, he noted, last between 30 minutes and two hours. While the batteries can’t sustain power for long-term outages like the infamous 2021 winter storm, they can be paired with solar systems or generators for extended power access. Dell mentioned that Base Power will soon offer a product integrated with a generator for during those longer outages.
Future Plans and Expansion
Base Power is not just stopping in Austin. The company is already expanding into the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with plans to move into the greater Houston area eventually. Metayer expressed hope for more public and private collaborations to help make energy solutions accessible to all residents, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.
With Texas continuing to grow rapidly, expanding energy resources is crucial. Metayer emphasized the need for public policy to improve access to such products. “We need to advocate for everyone, especially the working class who would benefit the most from these advancements,” he said.
Advocacy for a More Reliable Grid
As the Texas Legislature prepares to convene in January, Base Power intends to advocate for the importance of reliable energy solutions. “We want to take an active role in the discussion about grid reliability,” Dell stated. He believes that Texas has a competitive energy market and that many companies are eager to develop innovative solutions. Once again, he underscored the necessity for legislative support to ensure that consumers benefit from advancements like those being pursued by Base Power.
Overall, Base Power aims to put “affordable, reliable power” at the forefront of its mission to help Texans. With growing concerns about grid reliability, solutions like theirs could play a pivotal role in how residents access and manage their energy needs in the future.
